Sewing machine recommendations

[Anotherthink]

Looking to buy a sewing machine. Saw the brother ls14 which seemed ideal for a beginner and perfect price range as I don't want to spend too much on something just yet but they're sold out everywhere!

I've increased my budget to £135 and all decent options are still sold out. It's doing my head in now, looking increasingly unlikely that I'll get one before christmas.

Any advice on where to look before I have to give up?

Bump bump bump

Do you have any local shops you could go and have a look at? Once they are open I mean. We have a few that will let you try the machines out and are really good at knowing which machines would suit you. It depends what you want to use it for as well. I am a quilter and got a basic janome which has done me really well but I have outgrown it to be honest.

My local shop Coles has a good deal on the entry level Husquvarna E10 which is a bit more but comes with a good quality sewing kit. A lot of inexpensive machines are sold out this year for supply reasons. If you can stretch, you won't regret a few extra £ on a slightly more capable machine.

www.colessewingcentre.co.uk/vsm-(uk)-ltd--957315151-18599.html

I don't think so. I'm not even sure where sell them I've looked at argos, amazon, hobbycraft and currys online.

It's for a gift so im not sure what I'm looking for either. I know the recipient will at the very least find it useful for practical reasons but I have a good feeling it will become a good hobby for them. But what they will focus on I don't know.

www.tysew.co.uk/sewing-machines/sewing-machines-only/brother-lx25-traditional-metal-chassis-sewing-machine?sort=p.price&order=ASC

www.tysew.co.uk/sewing-machines/sewing-machines-only/singer-tradition-2263-sewing-machine?sort=p.price&order=ASC

www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/sewing-machine/silver/silver-viscount-301.html

Most of the well known brands have good entry level machines, and if you buy from actual shop (even if not local) there will be after sales support and you are likely to find a local dealer who can service it too.

Whereas Aldi/Lidl and obscure brands can be harder to manage if things go wrong.

It's worth phoning an online place for advice as there are some dubious "box shifting" companies out there, how they answer the phone will give you an idea of their business.

Just don't get any kind of mini/compact machine which don't run on full mains power and are just toys.

ok I see, you don't want to go trailing around shops!

The silver 301 would be a lovely gift with the free sewing kit.

Also this is about in your budget
www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/sewing-machine/singer/singer-m2105.html

The John Lewis ones have good reviews and not much over £100

Oh yes the JL110 machine is really popular, they seem to have some stock at the moment, comes in a choice of colours too.